Idaho U.S. Senate Voter Guide: Risch, Achilles, Fleming and Loesby on Public Lands and the SAVE Act
Four candidates are on the ballot for U.S. Senate in Idaho in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election: Republican Sen. Jim Risch, the incumbent; independent Todd Achilles; independent Natalie Fleming; and Libertarian Matt Loesby.
The Digital Free Press voter guide video for this race, based on the Idaho Capital Sun's candidate questionnaire, compares the candidates on public lands and the SAVE Act, the federal bill that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote. Here is where each candidate stands, based on the video, the candidates' own answers to the Idaho Capital Sun and their campaign websites.
Jim Risch (Republican)
Risch is in his third six-year term in the Senate and earlier served as an Idaho state senator, lieutenant governor and governor, according to the Idaho Capital Sun.
On public lands, the video says Risch opposes selling public lands and wants them actively managed with local input. "I do not support selling Idaho's public lands to the highest bidder, period," he told the Capital Sun, adding that the lands "are best managed as close to the people as possible."
On the SAVE Act, the video says Risch supports it, including proof of citizenship to register. "I strongly support the SAVE Act. Only American citizens should vote in American elections, and people registering to vote should be required to prove they are eligible to cast a ballot," he wrote.
Todd Achilles (Independent)
Achilles served in the Idaho House of Representatives as a Democrat after being appointed to a District 16 vacancy and winning the seat in November 2024, then left the party to run as an independent, according to the Idaho Capital Sun. He describes himself as an independent veteran.
On public lands, the video says Achilles opposes any sale of Idaho's public lands and wants agency staffing restored. "As long as I am in office, I will oppose any sale of Idaho's public lands," he told the Capital Sun, and he called for "restoring staffing and resources for key agencies."
On the SAVE Act, the video says Achilles opposes it as federal overreach into state-run elections. "The SAVE Act is unconstitutional federal overreach into state rights," he wrote, pointing to Idaho's voter ID and proof-of-residency requirements, paper ballots and post-election audits.
Natalie Fleming (Independent)
Fleming has worked in the tech industry and holds degrees in information technology management and supply chain management from Boise State University, according to the Idaho Capital Sun.
On public lands, the video says Fleming trusts Idaho to manage them and wants regenerative grazing, with some restored land opened for housing. "I trust Idaho to manage its own public lands well, with real restoration dollars behind it," she told the Capital Sun. She said she supports restoring degraded federal land "through regenerative grazing and water retention" and then "releasing that reclaimed acreage for housing."
On the SAVE Act, the video says Fleming opposes it, saying Idaho's voter checks already work. "Idaho already runs a rigorous voter validation process, and I trust it," she wrote.
Matt Loesby (Libertarian)
Loesby moved to Idaho in 2020 and works in video game development, according to the Idaho Capital Sun, citing his campaign website.
According to his campaign website, Loesby's platform centers on closing the border, ending overseas wars, ending the Federal Reserve and a section titled "Decentralize Everything." His campaign website does not list a position on public lands or the SAVE Act.
Where to Follow the Candidates
Jim Risch: @Risch4Idaho on X. Todd Achilles: @toddachillesforidaho on Instagram. Matt Loesby: @LoesbyForIdaho on X.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. This guide is for information only; The Digital Free Press does not endorse any candidate.
Yossi Schmidt, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, The Digital Free Press
Hold Everyone Accountable.
Sources: Idaho Capital Sun, Voter Guide, 2026 general election, U.S. Senate: https://idahocapitalsun.com/voter-guides/contests/2026-general-u-s-senate/ ; Idaho Capital Sun, "Risch v. Achilles may be Idaho's most active US Senate race in years. Here's where they stand." (Aug. 5, 2026): https://idahocapitalsun.com/2026/08/05/risch-v-achilles-may-be-idahos-most-competitive-us-senate-race-in-years-heres-where-they-stand/ ; Matt Loesby campaign, platform: https://www.loesby.us/platform/
Comments